ORLETON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD 16 th DECEMBER 2014

Transcription

1 ORLETON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD 16 th DECEMBER 2014 There were 29 members present at the meeting 1. Apologies: Kate and Simon Snape, Sheila Hough, Lyn Jones, Jane Lacey, Cathy Fewlass, Anne and John Cobb 2. Minutes of the 2013 AGM: Approved proposed David Davies seconded Trisha Clanzy-Hodge carried unanimously. 3. Matters arising: none 4. Chairman s report: copy attached 5. Treasurers report: copy attached 6. Programme Secretary s report: The programme for the 2015 was presented 7. Adoption of reports: proposed Nick Russell seconded Peter Furneaux carried unanimously 8. Correspondence: none 9. Election of Officers: a) Chairman Nick Russell Proposed Shelley Choat Seconded Trisha Clanzy-Hodge b) Vice Chairman Vacant c) Secretary Monica Todd Proposed Eddie Clanzy-Hodge Seconded Trisha Clanzy-Hodge d) Treasurer Eddie Clanzy-Hodge Proposed Margaret Davies Seconded Jennifer Kelley 10. Election of Committee Members: The remaining Committee members, who had not been elected as Officers were prepared to stay on the Committee.

2 Remaining Committee members - Trisha Clanzy-Hodge, David Davies, Peter Furneaux, Jennifer Kelley, Pauline Wareham Proposed Monica Todd Seconded Eddie Clanzy-Hodge Carried unanimously Election of new committee member: Sue Mills Proposed Monica Todd Seconded Shelley Choat 11. Appointment of Auditor: Helen Webb has agreed to audit the account again next year. 12. Any other business: None

3 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2014 I cannot believe that December has arrived so quickly it only seems a few months ago that I was writing my report for 2013! Time flies and yes policemen are looking younger and younger too! This last year has seen us lose quite a few of our beloved members sadly through their demise of moving away to be nearer their children and our numbers dipped for a while. However, I am pleased to say that we now have 100 members (due to new people moving into the area and joining us). We would still like MORE members so, if you have any new neighbours, do encourage them to come along. In January we had the delightful Elizabeth Banks talking to us about Hergest Croft (her garden) and the RHS. We did have a few heartstopping moments as she seemed not to have put the date for speaking to us in her diary but, fortunately, all was well in the end and we really enjoyed her talk. We have now, we hope, set up a foolproof system (thanks to Monica Todd and Sue Brown) whereby all speakers in future receive and return definite confirmation of their availability to speak to us on certain dates (even if it is November 2015 and they do not yet have calendars for that year!) February saw the charming Dr Anthony Evans talking about Medicinal Herbs and their uses. He came with quite a group of supporters who also provided plants for our plant stall. How did those who purchased the Pleione bulbs get on with growing them? March had us listening enthralled to Nick Dunn from Frank Matthews on the subject of Growing Fruit Trees. We visibally winced as he lopped off branches but he assured us it was being cruel to be kind and that they would grow all the better for their pruning! March also saw us enjoying our Spring Club Dinner this time at The Fountain, Tenbury Wells. A most enjoyable meal was had by all who attended and my thanks to Jennifer Kelley for organising the evening. In April we had Eric Jarett showing us how to use alpines in your garden and in May (a change of speakers) we had Alun and Jill Whitehead from Aulden Farm, Ivington showing us their national collection of Iris Sibirica and their beautiful garden. I am sure it encouraged quite a few members to visit them. In June, we visited the 22 open gardens in Stanton, Gloucestershire and those who attended really enjoyed the variety of gardens open to the public that Sunday. Sadly, only ONE garden out of the 22 had their owners present to answer questions which made such a difference and made us appreciate even more when WE had our open gardens in Orleton (followed by our supper) that the owners were all there and willing to explain and talk about what they had done. Thank you all who opened your gardens to us. June also saw us being told by Julia Scott about their Walled Garden in Worcester. Sadly, we were unable to visit it as planned but maybe in the future. The Annual Show in August was a great success and my congratulations to the winners and thanks to the sub committee who ran it so efficiently. Thanks need to be recorded to Lyn

4 Jones, Chairman of the August Show Committee, for all the hard work she has put in to the show over the years.to all the stewards, cake makers as well. Another mention to Eddie Clanzy-Hodge, Trisha Clanzy-Hodge and Monica Todd for all the hard work they put in as sub- committee. September saw us listening to Colin Lawrence on How to take better photographs in your garden. We expect to see brilliant pictures as a result.! In October, David Griffiths (well known as our Fruit and Veg Judge and as The Man In the Hat) spoke about Herbaceous Borders. I don't know about you but he made me feel quite exhausted with the amount of digging he did although all the borders he had planted looked terrific after a couple of years so it was obviously well worth the effort. November rolled round and it was time for the Titley lunch again. Another most enjoyable meal. NEXT YEAR however, we have changed the date to later in the month (in an endeavour to avoid grand-parent duty over half term, Remembrance Sunday too) so we hope more of you will be able to attend. We rounded off our year of speakers with Marion Stainton giving us a very detailed talk about growing vegetables. Her words of wisdom about only growing what you like to eat rang very true and a lively question and answer session followed. Next year we have a very varied lot of speakers (the programme is on the website) so we do hope you will continue to enjoy our meetings. Don't forget we are always open to suggestions so please tell a committee member I there are any subjects you would really like to hear. Now to my thank you part of my speech. Where to start? For auditing our accounts, our thanks to Helen Webb.. Sue Brown, our wizard Webmaster, for putting together the website and making it look quite breath-taking and VERY impressive The envy of many a gardening club; Jeremy Howell- Thomas for setting up the sound system; Diane Howell-Thomas for organising the teas for the August Show; and everyone who helped with the teas or stewarded; Eddie Clanzy Hodge for printing the posters (as well as doing loads of other things);pauline Wareham for running the plant stall; David Davies for running the tombola, ably assisted by Verna Jones and Rose Jones, Monica Todd not only for being a magnificent Secretary but also for her brilliant skills with getting us root-trainers, Showa gloves and seeds at huge discounts. We do appreciate what you do, Monica. To my Committee: What can I say but a huge, huge thank you. You all have been behind me and given me so much support. I started out in trepidation, saying I would do ONE year and now it is three. I am surprisingly sad to be standing down. It will be pleasant to go back to being an Indian rather than a Chief, although I will still be organising the outings. And lastly, to thank all of you as Members for helping to make the club the thriving one it is. Nothing remains except for me to wish all of you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and productive New Year.

5 ODGC Treasurer s report 2014 AGM Overall balance This year we have increased our bank balance by 200 to 2, The finances are in a healthy state. Key Points Membership has held at 100 and with the increase in subscriptions this year we have additional income of 170. There is no need to increase subscriptions for next year. Village Hall rent has increased by 130 this year and will increase again next year. Raffle income has increased by 90 with costs only increasing by 20. Plant stall income has increased by 150. Partly due to having a successful plant stall at the annual show. Total income from sales of goods has reduced this year but has shown a net profit of 200. The annual show cost only about 20 and this is significantly less than last year. Speaker costs are the same as last year.